Ferry between West Van and downtown approved

METRO VANCOUVER – West Vancouver council on Monday approved a proposal to run a passenger ferry between the 14th Street pier to downtown Vancouver.

The proposal came from Coastal Link Ferries Capt. Ihab Shaker, who already runs a passenger service between Bowen Island and downtown Vancouver.

The 70-passenger ferry would run between Ambleside Pier and the public dock at Bute Street in Coal Harbour, Monday to Friday.

The six-month pilot project could be running by November. Passengers would pay $5 one-way and $9 return.

The first ferry between West Vancouver and downtown was launched by John Thomas in 1866. Various ferries ran until the Lions Gate Bridge was built.